Steamed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Aromatics

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with berbere spice, onions, and peppers, capturing the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian tibs. This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons berbere spice blend, thinly sliced large onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 thinly sliced large onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound cubed beef sirloin, seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sear the beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but still tender inside.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 sliced green bell pepper and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the pepper softens but retains some crunch.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with extra rosemary if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Aromatics take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Steamed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Aromatics?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced large onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Aromatics?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Aromatics for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Steamed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Aromatics?

African beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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